Switch office to linux

[JMCC]

Hi

I would like to convert my office to Linux.

I have a small server that does mostly data storage and I have 20 workstations. I run basic tasks on my workstations nothing crazy.

I know a bit about Linux, but would like some input on the matter.

If I wanted to setup a email server what would be my best choice?

What is the best route to take?

[JMCC]

How about OpenSUSE. It seems to have the best compatability with word processing and email.

Does anyone have experience with OpenSUSE?

[JMCC]

Ok so I have decided to go with OpenSUSE. What would be a good server to run with OpenSUSE. I was thinking to run OpenSUSE server. any ideas?

[devils casper]

Check this poll on Fav distro for Server.

I prefer Debian over other distros. CentOS is a good candidate too.

[JMCC]

Thank you

Why do you think they are better?

[JMCC]

nm, i followed the link.

Thanks

[reed9]

If you want paid support, RHEL or Suse Enterprise is probably the way to go.

If you don't want paid support, it really depends on your needs. You should look at things like the life cycle of the distro. Are you comfortable upgrading every year? Every 3 years? Keeping the same release and distro for as long as possible? RHEL clones like CentOS or Scientific Linux (and I would recommend the latter) have a 7 year life cycle. Debian I think varies, but the predecessor to the current Debian Stable hit end of life after ~4 years. Ubuntu LTS Server has 5 year support, and the LTS Desktop has 3 year support.

[JMCC]

thanks that was what i needed.

and there will be no problem running OpenSUSE workstations with CentOS server?

[reed9]

thanks that was what i needed.

and there will be no problem running OpenSUSE workstations with CentOS server?

Nope, shouldn't be an issue. Server software doesn't care what OS you run, so long as there is a client that can connect to it. Just like the web servers hosting this site don't care if you're running Windows or Linux or OSX, so long as you have the client sofware, and Windows or Linux or OSX don't care what OS is running the webserver.

[devils casper]

Debian and CentOS have long life cycles and very good community support. CentOS is a clone of RHEL. I would suggest you consider one of these two.